PARIS | Frédéric Fontang, Félix Auger-Aliassime’s coach, didn’t like watching his weakened defense try to keep up by being unable to do anything.
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“It was torture for him and also for the team,” he said in an interview with the Journal on Monday after Félix’s 6-4, 6-4 and 6-3 defeat by the veteran Fabio Fognini. in the first lap of Roland-Garros.
“He needs to rest and then we will take stock in a few days,” Fontang added.
The Healer’s Help
It was a weakened Félix who performed on the Simonne-Mathieu, the third most important pitch in Roland-Garros, after the Philippe-Chatrier and the Suzanne-Lenglen.
Neither the crowd divided between the two protagonists nor the fanfare in the stands managed to inject a little energy into the tenth player in the world.
Starting in game three of the game, “FAA” committed three consecutive double faults, causing his serve to be broken by his opponent.
Auger-Aliassime offered a game without conviction, unable to hide his middle arm pain and asking the coach for help.
“I went to the doctor before the game. I wanted to know if there was anything I could take, namely electrolytes, to relieve the cramps. I was far from in good shape. It helped a little, maybe I had a little less cramping. But after that I was far from being able to win.
Fognini takes advantage of it
Fognini, 130th in the ATP rankings but already in the top 10, took the opportunity to lead the Montreal native.
In the last set, Felix was no longer able to reach the balls despite full body stretching. Every game seemed painful and the grimaces on his face were numerous.
Photo: AFP
Fabio Fognini tried to silence supporters of Félix Auger-Aliassime in Roland-Garros on Monday.
He had a few nice shots here and there, including drop shots and forehand winner shots, but nothing more. Nothing that could really upset the 36-year-old veteran, who let all the balls go like in the good old days.
“When a great champion like him comes to a Grand Slam, he plays even when he’s in pain,” Fognini said of Félix. It’s already happened to me. I’m sorry. I wish him all the best.
The one who is at his 16th Roland-Garros will cross swords in the second round with Australian Jason Kubler, 69th in the world.